1 Cash - Zhuguo Yuanbao

The Zhuguo Yuanbao is among the more obscure issues of the Liao, a Khitan-ruled dynasty that operated a monetary system only partially integrated with that of the Song to the south. The Khitan elite maintained a semi-nomadic administrative structure, and coin use was uneven across the empire — concentrated in settled agricultural zones rather than among pastoral populations. Many Liao cash issues circulated in geographically limited areas and were supplemented by barter and silk as exchange media.

Hartill 18.27 is not attributed to a specific reign with certainty, which is characteristic of Liao numismatics generally — imperial attribution remains contested for several types in this series.